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thebalance.com

Questions to Ask in a Job Interview (and What

Not to Ask)

By Alison Doyle

It's your turn! As the interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be
asked is "What can I answer for you?" Your interviewer will expect for you to have some
inquiries. Not asking any questions could make you seem unprepared or disinterested, so
take the time to have some questions of your own ready to ask the hiring manager.

Asking questions can also giveyou the opportunity to further highlight some of your
qualities, skills, and experience.

Asking very specific questions will allow you to impress your potential employer with your
knowledge and interest in the industry while also determining if this is the right job for
you.

Make a List of Questions to Ask at the Interview

Plan ahead and have interview questions of your own ready to ask. You aren't simply
trying to get this job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this
company and the position are a good fit for you.

Asking questions is a good way to dig into the company culture and the specific day-to-day
responsibilities of the job, so that your first week or so in the position won't be
accompanied by any major surprises.

Best Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Here's a list of suggested questions to ask the interviewer so you can ensure the company
is a good match for your qualifications and interests.

How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?

How would you describe a typical day and week in this position?

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Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?

What is the company's management style?

Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him orher?

How many people work in this office/department?

How much travel is expected?

Is relocation a possibility?

What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?

What are the prospects for growth and advancement?

How does one advance in the company?

Are there any examples of a career path beginning with this position?

Would you like a list of references?

If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?

What can I clarify for you about my qualifications?

When can I expect to hear from you?

Are there any other questions I can answer for you?

Do you have any reservations about my qualifications?

Do you have a policy for helping new members of the team get on board?

What are biggest challenges of this job?

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What's the most important thing I should accomplish in the first ninety days?

How would you describe this company's values?

How has the company changed over the last few years?

What are the company's plans for growth and development?

What are the biggest rewards of the job and working for this company?

What is the best part of working for this company?

What's your least favorite part of working here?

What type of background do you feel would be best suited for success in this position?

General Guidelines for Asking Questions

Avoid "Me" Questions

"Me" questions are those that put yourself ahead of the employer.

These include questions about salary, health insurance, vacation time, work hours per
week, and other concessions. During an interview, you are trying to demonstrate to the
employer how you can benefit the company, not the other way around. Once you are
offered a position, you can begin to ask what the company can do for you.

Ask One Question at a Time

Avoid multi-part questions; they will only overwhelm the employer. Each question should
have one specific point.

Avoid "Yes" or "No" Questions

Most questions with a "yes," "no," or other one-word answer could likely be answered by
searching the company's website. Instead, stick to questions that will create a dialogue
between yourself and the employer.

Ask Questions About Multiple Topics

Avoid asking questions about just one subject. For example, if you only ask questions

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about your manager and his managerial style, the interviewer may assume you have an
issue with authority figures.

Ask questions about a variety of topics to demonstrate your curiosity and interest in all
aspects of the position.

Nothing Too Personal

While it is a good idea to try to establish a rapport with your interviewer, do not ask
personal questions that are not public information. For example, if you see a college
banner on the employer's wall, you can certainly ask if he went to that college. However,
avoid overly personal questions about the interviewer's family, race, gender, etc.

Questions NOT to Ask at a Job Interview

There are some questions that you should avoid asking, since they won't present you in a
positive light.

What does this company do? (Do your research ahead of time!)

If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the offer to
mention prior commitments)

Can I change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the logistics of
getting to work don't mention it now)

Did I get the job? (Don't be impatient. They'll let you know.)

Here are more questions not to ask an employer during an interview, plus tips on how to
avoid asking questions that could cost you the job.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer Listed By Type of Job

Administrative / Office Questions

Phone Interview Questions

Second Interview Questions

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Part Time Job Interview Questions

Retail Job Interview Questions

Sales Job Interview Questions

Teacher Job Interview Questions

Work at Home Job Interview Questions

Interview Questions You Will Be Asked

In addition to preparing a list of questions to ask the hiring manager, it's also important to
review the most common interview questions you'll likely be asked so you can think about
how you will answer. Here's a list of typical interview questions, along with sample
answers.

Interview Questions Employers Should Not Ask

There are some interview questions, typically known as illegal interview questions, that
employers should not ask during a job interview. Here are questions that shouldn't be
asked during a job interview and how to respond if you're asked these inappropriate
questions.

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